Midwinter celebrations

One of the biggest events in the Antarctic calendar is midwinter, around 21 June, which celebrates the halfway point in the long polar night.

It is a tradition that goes back to the earliest Antarctic expeditions and is celebrated with a special midwinter dinner featuring an elaborate menu, followed by performances and often a fancy dress party.

Invitations to the midwinter dinner are sent to family and friends, and often to celebrities or well-known sporting or political figures (though it is impossible for them to get to Antarctica in the middle of winter).

Show students a copy of the midwinter invitation [PDF] and ask them to write some imaginative RSVPs from celebrities.

Ask students to design their own midwinter menu.

Divide students into groups and have them rehearse an item for performance at a midwinter dinner.